Bite Plate: What It Is, How It Works, and Its Benefits

Have your orthodontist suggested a bite plate for you or your child and you are curious about what it is and what it does in the process of straightening the teeth? You have come to the right place. A custom-made orthodontic appliance is called a bite plate, which is used for other dental problems, from bite misalignment to teeth grinding.

It helps guide the jaw where it should stay, and at the same time, it prevents the teeth from developing too much wear and tear besides reliefs caused by temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

Whether employed during the course of orthodontic treatment or for shielding the teeth, the bite plate is a very important factor in the oral healthcare improvement process. In this blog we will discuss what it does, how it works, its usefulness, and its different types of it to be had.

What Is A Bite Plate?

A bite plate is a dental that can be easily taken out of the mouth and made of acrylic and metal and placed on the palate or over the bottom teeth. The principal purpose for having a bite plate is to set deep bite issues right, avoid grinding teeth (bruxism), and cure temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

How Does A Bite Plate Work?

Bite plates function through the gentle exertion of force in specific places of the jaw and teeth, in turn, causing the realignment of dental elements and their protection against damage due to the grinding of teeth (bruxism) and other dental problems. When they are used they maintain the jaw in a more comfortable position and facilitate small changes that can relax stress and also the oral health can be improved.

Here is the basic mechanism of bite plates:

Jaw Realignment: Helps reposition the jaw more conveniently. Its purpose is to reduce and correct the overbites and the underbites identified by a dentist, so the result is a more normal mouth appearance.

Tooth Protection: It acts as a protective barrier to keep the upper and lower teeth apart in order to avoid overuse and damage.

Types Of Bite Plate

There are different types of bite plates, each with a unique purpose. Let’s have a look at these types:

i. Anterior Bite Plate

This kind is used to treat deep bites by stopping the back teeth from touching the front ones. And so, the front teeth can indeed move into the right position over a period of time.

ii. Soft Bite Plate

A bite plate with a soft composition is made from a material that is not only flexible but also durable. This cushioning effect ensures a better fit for the teeth and the jaws. The bite plates are manufactured with the aspect of comfort being the priority, and thus, they are suggested for patients who suffer from mild bruxism or need a little jaw support once in a while.

iii. Hard Bite Plate

These bite plates are made from rigid materials and are used for more serious dental matters. They work best for people with intense tooth grinding or TMJ disorder.

iv. Night Guard (Occlusal Bite Plate)

The main goal of this product is to ensure the exact positioning and an additional impact on keeping the teeth and jaw muscles from grinding and clenching. Decreasing the pressure on the teeth and jaw muscles, in this way it protects them from grinding and clenching.

Benefits Of Using Bite Plate

Bite plates, being a crucial tool in orthodontics and dental health, come with a variety of benefits. Here are some of the significant advantages:

1. Alleviating Bruxism

Bite plates are very useful in safeguarding the teeth against bruxism which is an involuntary habit of grinding the jaw in a forceful and vigorous way and is often done during sleep. These mouthpieces make a buffer, absorbing the pressure and at the same time carrying several other benefits:

2. Preserves Tooth Enamel

Bite plates reduce the enamel wear by avoiding tooth-to-tooth touch, and also minimize the potential risk of fractures and chips.

3. Eases Jaw Tension

It is a useful appliance that provides a cushioning effect which ultimately relaxes the jaw muscles, so the tension that causes headaches and discomfort in the face is relieved.

4. Prevents Long-Term Damage

If you wear a bite plate consistently, it can help in slowing down bruxism related issues such as gum disorders and tooth decay.

Supporting orthodontic Treatments

Not only do bite plates assist in the proper positioning of irregular teeth, for instance, overbites and underbites, but also they account for the structural harmony by:

Guiding Jaw Alignment: It applies a gentle and constant pressure to pull the jaws to the right preposition and can help them to align themselves more naturally, which is needed for proper treatment under orthodontics.
Supporting Orthodontic Treatment: Assist with mouth preparation for braces or other appliances, making them fit and ultimately doing their job well.
Enhancing overall Bite Function: Fixing jaw misalignments at an early stage can lead to an increase in the effectiveness of eating and prevent the jaw joints from being overstrained, thus promoting overall dental health.

Relieving TMJ Pain

Using bite plates can also help relieve the pain caused by muscle tension and joint strain from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. here is how:

Evenly Distributing Pressure: It helps in Spreading the bite forces across the jaw to lower stress on the TMJ and surrounding muscles.
Lessening Muscle Tightness: By acting as a shock absorber between the teeth, it gives the jaw muscles a rest and thus relieves pain and enhances their function.
Quality of Life Enhancement: Relief from pain, among other things, will enable people to get to sleep better and feel better in every way.

How To Choose The Right Bite Plate?

Here are some essential factors that you must consider when choosing a bite plate:

Material

The type of bite plate material selected is a significant contributor to the degree of comfort, duration, and effectiveness of the device.

Acrylic: Acrylic is the most often used substance for the creation of both soft and hard bite plates. It is lightweight and durable, which in turn makes it comfortable to wear over the long term.
Plastic: Primarily, it is used in the making of soft bite plates, and its elastic plastic acts as a shock absorber for mild bruxism issues.
Metal Components: Some bite plates come with metal clasps and wires, which can be more stable and are usually seen in fixed designs.

Purpose

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a bite plate is its function:

Bruxism Protection: Whether hard or soft, bite plates are useful for protecting teeth from damage resulting from teeth grinding.
Orthodontic Correction: A custom-made bite plate is rigid and is used to correct the misalignment of the jaw and overbites or underbites.
TMJ Relief: Defined by wrist plates, which are exclusively designed and created to ease jaw tension, reducing jaw pain and tension.

How To Use And For A Bite Plate?

It is essential to take great care of the bite plate to ensure the bite plate remains effective and in good condition. Here are some tips that can help you:

i. Wearing Instructions

Your dentist will provide instructions on when and how long you need to wear a bite plate.
Some bite plates are worn twenty-four hours a day, but some are only needed at night.

ii. Cleaning Your Bite Plate

Follow these cleaning steps to keep your bite plate in good condition:

iii. Daily cleaning

Rinse your bite plate with warm water after each use to remove dirt and avoid bacterial growth.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and dedicate it only for your bite plate’s cleaning. Never use the same toothbrush for your teeth as it can cause cross-contamination.
You can use a non-abrasive soap or alcohol-free mouthwash on the toothbrush and then gently rub on the surfaces and crevices of the bite plate.

iv. Deep Cleaning

Do it once a month: every month, put your bite plate into an over-the-counter (OTC) denture cleanser or a mixture of vinegar and hydrogen peroxide. Soak it for 30 minutes and rinse thoroughly.
You can also use effervescent cleaning tablets designed for dental appliances to remove stubborn dirt and bacteria.

v. Storing Your Bite Plate

Your bite plate can only stay clean and damage-free if it is adequately put in good storage:

Always store your bite plate in its box so that it will be out of reach equally from dust, bacteria, and accidental damage.
Frequently use soap and water to clean the case in order to prevent it from becoming a breeding ground for bacteria.

Final Words – Bite Plates

Bite plates are beneficial in solving dental problems such as bruxism, bite misalignment, and TMJ disorders and also help orthodontic treatment to be carried out properly. These devices are custom-made in such a way as to help jaw realignment and serve in a protective manner, to the overall enhancement of bite function. The best option for a bite plate is one that is durable and is also non-allergenic and comfortable to wear.

Moreover, keeping your bite plate clean and storing it correctly is essential, which allows you to use it for a more extended period and improves its effectiveness. A bite plate that is properly maintained, whether it is for its protection, adjustment, or pain relief, can substantially enhance oral health and general well-being.